Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], July 12 (ANI): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday called upon people to come forward and participate in the program to have a sustainable and long-lasting impact of the tree plantation drive.

Gadkari kick-started the nationwide campaign to plant trees along the national highways after planting a sapling at Kothapalem in Renigunta Mandal.

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He envisaged a plantation of 1,000 trees on the Renigunta–Naidupeta stretch of NH-71 alone.

“This initiative aligns with the Green India Mission (GIM) led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, aiming to convert our National Highways into environmentally sustainable Green Highways,” the minister said.

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He further added that the government’s commitment to this cause is unwavering as we diligently strive to compensate for every tree felled during road projects by planting twice the number of trees.

“Furthermore, we have achieved success in relocating fully grown and large trees,” he added.

Gadkari also said that this initiative serves as a concrete response to the challenges posed by climate change, as it simultaneously reduces carbon emissions and fosters the development of environmentally friendly infrastructure.

“Plantation and transplantation of trees has become an integral part of National Highway development. A lot of emphasis is also given to geotagging of trees so that the progress and growth of these plants can be monitored,” Nitin Gadkari said.

State Minister Dadisetty Raja, Zilla Parishad Chairman Govindappa Srinivasulu, and R&B Secretary PS Pradyumna were present. (ANI)

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